A Comparative Study of Safavid Pottery in Kerman and Mashhad And the Influence of Chinese art on them

Abstract

Safavid pottery، like the other arts in this period has experienced considerable growth and dynamism. In this period masterpieces of pottery، from lusterware and “blue and white«to the Celadon and Kubachi and Gombroon have been produced in numerous centers of pottery. Many ceramics from Kerman and Mashhad have survived from this period. This research uses the descriptive- analytical method and published material. Knowing the fact that Kerman and Mashhad weren''t famous centers of pottery in the history of Persian pottery and the heights of the past (Seljuk and Ilkhanid) periods; in this research we try to answer the following questions: What are the main features of Safavid pottery with regard to form، color، glaze and their application in these centers and to what extent was it influenced by Chinese pottery? Two cities of Kerman and Mashhad have a considerable share in Safavid pottery during the rise of the Safavid arts (from the late sixteenth century to the early eighteenth century A. D.). The Chinese influences on Mashhad pottery are more evident in its design and qualities of construction. In Kerman''s ceramics we see more variety in form، function، color and glaze. With regards to the considerable multiplicity of remaining ceramic works from these two cities، they can represent the Safavid pottery.